Academic Counseling

Students are encouraged to make an appointment with their guidance counselor if they are experiencing any academic issues. Most questions can be answered and most problems resolved just by talking to the right person. If you are having academic difficulty, the first person to talk to is your teacher. If you are feeling overwhelmed and in need of more help, your guidance counselor is an excellent resource. The guidance staff can assist you in improving your organizational, time management and study skills.

Here are a few things that you can do to be successful in school:
  1. Be in school on time, every day—good attendance is important!
  2. Be prepared for each class.
  3. Complete your assignments on time.
  4. Participate in class.
  5. Ask questions—seek help if necessary.
  6. Don’t wait until the last minute!
  7. Treat your classmates and teachers with respect.
  8. Take responsibility for your grade.

Study Skills

Study Skills

Be Organized!
  • Use your Student Planner to keep track of your assignments.
  • Keep contact information for at least one person in each class so that you can call or email them if you are absent or have a question about an assignment.
  • Keep your locker and backpack organized.
Manage your time
  • Use class time and resource periods wisely.
  • Create a schedule for completing homework and studying for tests.
  • Go over your class notes each night.  By doing this, you will make studying for tests and quizzes easier.
  • Create a weekly calendar which includes assignments, club meetings, games, practices, etc.  This will help you “schedule” time for homework and study more effectively.
  • Create a monthly calendar so that you can see when long term assignments are due.  Remember to break these assignments down in to smaller segments so that you can gradually complete them rather than trying to do everything at once.
Be Successful in the Classroom
  • Be in school on time, every day.
  • Take notes—be an active listener.
  • Be prepared for each class by completing all assignments.
  • Participate.
  • Treat others with respect.
  • Take responsibility for your grades.
Make the most of your study time
  • Find a good place to study.
  • Know your learning style.  Do you retain more by seeing the information or by hearing it?  Do you learn best by doing hands-on activities?
  • Prioritize your work to make sure that the most important things get done first.
  • Know when to take breaks.
Studying for a test
  • Prepare by reviewing your notes each night. 
  • If a teacher gives you a review sheet, complete it and study it thoroughly.
  • Pay close attention in the class before the test.  This is when teachers will often go over what is important for you to know.
  • Have someone quiz you or make flashcards so that you can quiz yourself.
  • If you know there will be an essay on the test, practice writing it.

Test Anxiety

Test Anxiety

Most students experience some type of anxiety before most tests.  A little anxiety can be helpful as it can make you more alert and ready to test. Too much anxiety, however, can lower your test score. If you find that your anxiety levels are too high, take note of the following:

  • Start studying early…Cramming doesn’t allow you time to feel like you have mastered the material.  By fully preparing for the test, you will boost your confidence and have a more positive feeling for the test.
  • Be sure to get a good night’s sleep.
  • Relaxation techniques can come in handy.  Examples of these are taking a deep breath, stretching before you enter the classroom, closing your eyes and visualizing a place where you feel safe and comfortable.

2011-2012 Counselor Assignments

Grades 9-11
Students with the last name A-J:
Mrs. Beverly McIntyre

Students with the last name K-Z:
Ms. Susan Yost

Grade 12
Students with the last name A-Ma:
Mrs. Beverly McIntyre

Students with the last name Mc-Z:
Ms. Susan Yost

The guidance staff can assist you in improving your organizational, time management and study skills.